Taking the next step in your education journey can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. In a recent LevelUp Studio by EdAssist session, academic coach Melissa Kessler shared practical guidance to help employees evaluate their options, understand funding, and move forward with clarity.
Start with your career direction
Before choosing a program, identify your goal:
- Career change (new field)
- Career pivot (new skills in your current field)
- Career advancement (moving up in your path)
Clear goals help you avoid unnecessary time, cost, and effort.
Choose the right credential
Not every career goal requires a degree:
- Degrees support long-term advancement and regulated fields
- Certificates offer fast, targeted skill-building
- Certifications validate industry-specific expertise
The best option is the one aligned to your goals, timeline, and resources.
Evaluate programs thoughtfully
Before enrolling, consider:
- Does your target role require a degree?
- Are there faster or more flexible pathways?
- Is a stackable credential path a better fit?
Maximize your education benefits
Understanding your tuition assistance can significantly reduce costs:
- Reimbursement vs. direct bill options
- Annual caps and eligibility requirements
- Approved programs and timelines
Explore additional funding
Beyond employer benefits, consider:
- School-based scholarships
- Local community funding
- Professional organiztaion awards
- National scholarship tools
Plan ahead for admissions
Early preparation is key:
- Review prerequisites
- Understand application requirements
- Build a realistic timeline
Take the next step
- Clarify your goal
- Compare programs
- Plan your funding
- Connect with an EdAssist coach
Make the most of your EdAssist benefit. Watch the Fuel Your Journey webinar to explore education options, funding resources, and career growth opportunities.
